Run By Time Magazine By Allen Ginsberg Essay

To the core, the United States’ principles and actions are full of insincerity. Allen Ginsberg’s America mocks the mendacity through a stream of ideas that not only contradict each other, but also the supposed ideals of the titular nation. The poet’s emotionally charged word choice allows him to relate his radical ideas on his country’s nuanced hypocrisy to the reader. Right from the start, Ginsberg’s charismatic word choice exposes how the idealistic principles of the country run contrary to its culture. He begins by asking America, “When will you take off your clothes?” (Ginsberg 9). Traditionally, America is known to be very conservative in comparison to other western countries, and the words allude to this. In a land supposedly free, the poet speculates why one is not free to just dress more liberally. Later in the poem,

In a country where the media dominates much of public attention, Ginsberg asks “Are you going to let our emotional life to be run by Time Magazine?” (41) before admitting he himself is “obsessed” with “Time Magazine” (40). Here, Time Magazine, which is known for its provocative covers, stands as a representation for the American media. Like virtually all other Americans, Ginsberg is inclined to complain about the issues of the media, yet still is extremely dependent upon them. Therefore, the poet’s words are able to express the contrast that exists between the attitudes and actions of Americans. Finally, one of the most memorable lines of the poem is “It occurs to me that I am America” (48). Ginsberg connects, with several simple words, himself as an individual to the country as a whole. Often, one of the most emphasized parts of American culture is individualism, yet people picturing the country will visualize a multitude of very different people. The result is a gap that exists in defining what is an American